Turkey’s intelligence agency has reportedly asked Britain’s MI6 to play a larger role in protecting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa following several alleged assassination plots against the country’s leadership.

The request, made by Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) last month, highlights growing international concern about security in Syria as the country attempts to stabilize 15 months after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.

BIG: Turkey’s intelligence agency asked its British counterpart MI6 last month to take a larger role in protecting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa after recent assassination plots — Reuters

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Regional instability linked to the ongoing U.S.–Israeli war with Iran has further complicated the situation, raising fears that Syria could again become vulnerable to militant groups and renewed sectarian violence.

Rising Security Threats in Post-Assad Syria

International allies view President Ahmed al-Sharaa as a key figure in maintaining stability in Syria, a country still recovering from 14 years of civil war that displaced millions of people and devastated national infrastructure.

The collapse of the Assad government in late 2024 created a fragile political transition.

Western governments fear that if Syria’s leadership were destabilized again, the country could slip back into sectarian conflict or civil war, potentially creating opportunities for extremist groups to expand their influence.

Islamic State Resurgence Raises Alarm

The request for additional intelligence support reportedly followed increased militant activity by Islamic State (ISIS) inside Syria.

Militant groups have intensified attacks against Syrian military and security personnel and recently declared President Sharaa their “number one foe.”

According to the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, Sharaa and senior members of his cabinet were targeted in five separate assassination attempts last year.

Two of those attempts were reportedly foiled by Syrian authorities in November.

Last month, Islamic State militants carried out six attacks against Syrian security forces, which they described as the beginning of a “new phase” of operations.

Intelligence Cooperation Between Turkey and Syria

Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization has played a significant role in supporting the new Syrian government since the fall of Assad.

Turkish security sources say MIT recently helped prevent a planned bombing attack in Damascus.

According to officials, Turkish intelligence identified three militants preparing remote bomb attacks, allowing Syrian security forces to intervene and stop what authorities described as an “imminent assault.”

The Syrian government acknowledged publicly for the first time this week that it works closely with MIT on counter-terrorism operations.

Why Turkey Asked MI6 for Support

Officials familiar with the discussions say Turkey approached Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) after a particularly high-risk assassination plot targeting President Sharaa.

Although the exact details of the plot remain unclear, intelligence officials from Turkey, Britain, and Syria have reportedly been sharing information regularly.

One Western intelligence source suggested that Turkey may want a greater Western intelligence presence in Damascus.

Such a presence could potentially act as a diplomatic and intelligence buffer between Turkish and Israeli interests, which have recently experienced tensions in the region.

Possible British Role Still Unclear

It remains uncertain what role MI6 might ultimately play.

Options reportedly being discussed include:

• expanded intelligence sharing
• joint counter-terrorism planning
• technical surveillance and monitoring operations

However, Western intelligence officials say no final decision has been made on whether British personnel will be deployed in Damascus.

Some Syrian security officials have warned that a visible British intelligence presence in the capital could itself become a security risk.

Western Support for Syria’s New Leadership

The United States, Britain, and Turkey have all supported efforts to stabilize Syria under President Sharaa’s leadership.

In recent months:

• Washington and London lifted most sanctions on Syria
• restrictions were also eased on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group Sharaa previously led
• Western governments pledged support for rebuilding the Syrian state and economy

Sharaa himself has a complex political history. He was previously a commander within Al-Qaeda’s Nusra Front, before breaking ties with the organization in 2016.

In late 2024, he led a coalition of Islamist rebel factions that ultimately overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s government.

A Fragile Transition Period

Syria’s political transition remains fragile.

While international actors hope the new government can unify the country, the presence of militant groups and unresolved sectarian tensions continue to pose serious risks.

Security analysts say protecting the Syrian leadership has become a top priority for regional and Western intelligence agencies, as instability at the highest levels of government could derail efforts to rebuild the country after years of conflict.

The reported Turkish request for MI6 assistance reflects the growing recognition that Syria’s security challenges now extend far beyond its own borders.